In this new video lesson series, Dr. John Wooton will introduce each of the 40 Essential Rudiments. Along with a basic explanation, Dr. Wooton will give you tips on how to improve your playing, as well as how to apply the rudiments – whether you are a marching percussionist, concert percussionist or drumset player. Also included are play-along tracks for the rudiment AND rudimental application exercise to help you achieve your goals.

Rudiment Application:

Inverted Flam Tap

John Wooton’s Vic Firth products for this video:

MS2Like the MS1‚ but with extra length for more leverage and power.L = 17" | Dia. = .695" [enlarge photo]

Heavy Hitter Slim PadThe Heavy Hitter Slimpad features a "slim" 1/8" gum rubber pad on a 12" sturdy wooden base. The extra thin 1/8" gum rubber pad gives the player a more accurate feel of a high tensioned marching snare. It's the perfect size and weight to throw in a backpack for the drummer on the go.[enlarge photo]

New to the rudiments? Here’s a quick suggestion!

In order to facilitate learning the rudiments in a systematic way, Dr. Wooton suggests that you approach them in this sequence (rather than how they are listed on various rudiment charts or posters). This “tier system” approaches the most fundamental rudiments first, providing you with a base on which to build. Each successive tier adds on the basic skills learned in the previous tier.

Dr. John Wooton is the director of percussion studies at The University of Southern Mississippi. He is well versed in many percussion instruments but has specialized in rudimental snare drum, drum set, marimba, vibraphone and steel pans. Dr. Wooton directs the Percussion Ensemble, Steel Pan Orchestra, Graduate Percussion Ensemble and the Samba Band. He also performs regularly on steel pans as a soloist or with his band, KAISO!, and plays vibes for the USM Jazz Quintet.

From 1988 to 1992, he served as percussion coordinator/pep band director for the University of Iowa bands. As an instructor and performer, Dr. Wooton has been associated with five P.A.S.I.C. Marching Percussion Forum champions. He marched snare drum for four years with the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps of Rockford, Ill. (1981-84). During those years, Dr. Wooton held the Drum Corps Midwest Individual Snare Drum title and the Percussive Arts Society Snare Drum Individual title. From 1987 to 1989, he served as the percussion caption head for the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps. For the 1990-91 drum corps seasons, he served as program coordinator/percussion arranger for “Nite Express” Drum and Bugle Corps of Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Since joining the faculty at Southern Miss, Dr. Wooton, along with establishing a strong percussion studio, has introduced the USM Steel Band, Pop Percussion Ensemble, Samba Band and Salsa Band. He has served as the president of the Percussion Arts Society, Mississippi Chapter, and is presently a member of the Percussive Arts Society Marching Committee. Dr. Wooton gives clinics around the world representing Pearl Drums, SABIAN Cymbals, Vic Firth Sticks., Remo Drum Heads and Row Loff Productions Publications.

Dr. Wooton is the author of “The Drummer’s Rudimental Reference Book” – ”Perhaps the most definitive rudimental technique book of our time” – Thomas L. Davis. Wooton’s latest publication, “Dr. Throwdown’s Rudimental Remedies” (The rudimental method for what ails you!) includes 25 lessons, organized on a specific technique and/or rudiment. Accompanying play-along tracks for every exercise and each track is set in seven different tempos starting with “Tempo del Learno” all the way to “Ludicrous Speed.”

You can find out more information on Dr. Wooton’s books and performance schedule at his Web site:

“Dr. Throwdown’s Rudimental Remedies”

A fantastic compilation of rudimental exercises written and collected throughout the years by Dr. John Wooton. Included is an accompanying DVD of Dr. Wooton performing many of the exercises and etudes. An enormous amount of downloadable play-along tracks are included on the DVD as well as insightful philosophies from Dr.Throwdown, himself!

The Drummer’s Rudimental Reference Book

This book is packed full of lessons and exercises. Neatly organized into 41 different sections, this book covers rudiments, one-handed exercises, stick control, timing, relaxation, odd-groupings, back sticking, & tenor drumming. A must for the private instructor and band director!